The University of Sydney begins the academic year this week with its biggest ever Welcome Program. The program's highlight, Welcome Fest (19-21 February), will draw an expected 45,000 people to campus, with more student clubs and societies and outdoor stalls than ever before.
The Welcome Program, which runs for the first four weeks of semester, is a chance for new and returning students to prepare for the year ahead and get involved in University life. There are social activities, information and academic support sessions, wellbeing events and safety workshops.
Program highlights include the official Welcome Ceremony on 19 February, with addresses from University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott and keynote speaker, award-winning maths teacher and YouTube star Eddie Woo.
The University of Sydney Union’s annual Welcome Fest features live performances, a silent disco, an outdoor movie night, free food and giveaways. Hundreds of club and society stalls will give students the opportunity to find their community and explore their interests. There are more than 200 student-run clubs and societies at the University, from the Robotics Club to the Taylor Swift Society (USYD’s Version).
University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott said the Welcome Program was an important part of the University’s thriving campus life.
"University isn’t just about developing the skills and knowledge that will set you up for the future," he said. "It’s about pursuing passions and finding your people. For so many of our students, that begins when they first step onto campus for our Welcome Program."
The University of Sydney was the first university in Australia to host orientation events – a tradition stretching back to the 1940s.
University of Sydney Union (USU) President Bryson Constable, in his fourth year of a Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws, said this year’s Welcome Fest would be the biggest ever.
"We have more clubs, societies and sponsors involved than ever before," he said. "There’s a huge range of events so there’s something for everyone. As students become part of our diverse community, the best thing they can do is be open and ready to engage."
For second year student Leah-Cherie Holt, one of the 2025 Welcome Ceremony emcees, last year’s Welcome Program helped forge important friendships. Holt, 19, is studying a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws through the Gadigal Program, an entry pathway for Indigenous students.
"When I started, I worried I’d be all alone, but in that first week I met new mentors and made some of the strongest friendships I’ve ever had," she said. "I love being on campus and getting to interact with people from different degrees, different places and different countries."
Program highlights
Cohort Welcome
10-14 February, across campus
A chance for various student groups, such as international or postgraduate students, scholarship and program participants, to meet and connect ahead of semester and learn about support available, student organisations and health and safety.
Faculty and School Welcome
17-21 February, across campus
Students can meet classmates, peer mentors and teachers from their areas of study.
Welcome Ceremony
19 February, 9am, Great Hall
The Ceremony will feature a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, student performances, and addresses from Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Mark Scott and keynote speaker Eddie Woo.
Clubs and societies
19-21 February, Welcome Fest stalls, Cadigal Green, Eastern Avenue and University Place
There are hundreds of USU clubs and societies to help students make new friends and explore their passions. There is a club for every interest, be it sport, pop culture, politics or chocolate.
Welcome Fest movie night
19 February, 5.30pm, main stage, outside the Chau Chak Wing Museum
Watch Greta Gerwig’s Barbie under the stars while enjoying free food.
Silent disco
20 February, 6pm, main stage, outside the Chau Chak Wing Museum
Free food available before you hit the dance floor.
Student support
A range of activities and services will help students feel at home at the University, providing everything from academic support to wellbeing events and student safety workshops. Staff and senior students will offer help and advice at support hubs. Student ambassadors will be available to guide newcomers around campus. For new students, particularly those from outside Sydney, there are welcome parties, information and networking sessions, and campus tours.
